Odd Shot Monday – Bug Eyed
In all the kingdom of the living, there is no more
deadly or voracious creature than the Preying Mantis.
— William Hopper —
(as Dr. Ned Jackson in The Deadly Mantis)
For my first attempt at Odd Shot Monday, I discovered this Praying Mantis perched atop one of my gate posts. Not only did he take a time-out from chewing his toenails to pose – he even tried to smile…
Note: Without having seen the script, I don’t know if Praying Mantis is deliberately misspelled or if it’s a typo in the quote I found.
Piedmont Perspective 
Athough they do look like they are “praying”, the name is “preying”. Just get to know one well and you will kow why.
We kept a preying mantis as a classroom pet in first grade. The kids would spend their recess catching grasshoppers to feen her. On the day of parent night, we saved the day’s catch till just before the parents came into the classroom. I was explaining curriculum when someone spotted the pet feasting. She had one grasshopper in each arm, taking alternating bites. My ploy worked. I didn’t have to speak any more as the parents were gathered around the tank.
Our young custodian told me one afternoon that he’d given my mantis a little brother the evenine before. Poor little brother. He was not a companion but a meal.
katney said this on 11 August 2008 at 7:56 pm |
Mr Mantis is a beautiful color, but his stare creeps me out. He looks deadly. Love the butterfly and ducks, as well.
B. Roan said this on 11 August 2008 at 8:21 pm |
Intriguing fellow ~ how congenial of him to pose for you. In light of the first comment, I wonder if he’s smiling at you, or licking his chops? Great entry for Odd Shots. ThanX for stopping by.
diXymiss said this on 11 August 2008 at 9:06 pm |
LOVE these photos. What did you use to take them. Wow…
Michelle said this on 11 August 2008 at 9:07 pm |
Ezcellent photo. When I see these magnificent creatures in person, their “looks” speak great intelligence to me. Maybe they are not, but they seem like it.
pottedfrog said this on 11 August 2008 at 9:37 pm |
Beautiful photo, fantastic images and colors!
Thanks for your post and support in TODAY’S FLOWERS!
Hope you come back every weeks and post marvelous flowers!
Have a nice week!
LUIZ SANTILLI JR said this on 12 August 2008 at 3:22 am |
What awesome closeups! I don’t think I have been so close to this insect! The detail is remarkable! Excellent!
Gemma said this on 12 August 2008 at 3:24 am |
OH that is truly amazing .. I am SO impressed he stayed there while you macro’d him for us to see!
Daryl said this on 12 August 2008 at 7:28 am |
hehehe
Seems to be saying “Go away. Don’t bug me!”
Louis la Vache said this on 12 August 2008 at 8:03 am |
Haha! That is such a great capture!! Fun and a perfect odd shot! :)
The Urban Buddha said this on 12 August 2008 at 1:38 pm |
Thanks to all for taking the time to visit my blog and comment on my Odd Shots photo!
Katney: Thank you for clarifying the name and for the wonderful story.
B. Roan: The stare creeps me out too.
diXymiss: He was probably licking his chops!
Michelle: Nikon D40, 200mm zoom, was the choice this time.
Potted Frog: I think they look like they belong on Doctor Who. :)
Luiz: It was my pleasure and you can bank on me coming back!
Daryl: He was fearless and sat there for at least 10 minutes.
Louis: LOL!
Urban Buddha: It was fun taking the pictures too.
piedmontperspective said this on 13 August 2008 at 5:37 pm |
Gemma, I’m sorry I missed you! I’ve never been that close to one either. They are very funny looking!
piedmontperspective said this on 13 August 2008 at 5:40 pm |
Wow..awesome. I don’t even know what to say. wow wow wow
Cathy said this on 14 August 2008 at 12:05 am |